Relaxing with Beach Views

I thought I'd do a super simple, perhaps fun post of some pictures so far from the week. Basically, my views thus far. I can't say we've been doing anything super exciting. But, that's exactly the point of this vacation.

We pretty much spend the entire day sitting down on the beach with our toes in the sand. Jason has been doing a little fishing. I've been doing a lot of reading.

We pack a cooler with lunch and snacks and take that down with us. So lunches are on the beach. Snacks are on the beach. Drinks? Yep, on the beach. I've yet to put on make up or real clothes. And I'm in heaven.

It's fun to do people watching from our balcony. We often make up scenarios for people, even make up their conversations.

Wine always tastes better with the ocean in the background.

Nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves crashing.

Birds are fun to watch.

My toenails match my chair.

One happy camper.

Very interesting find - Shocktop Honey Crisp Apple Wheat. It's very intriguing.

Hot, Hot, Hawt Running

Well, Saturday we made it to Perdido Key, FL. So far we're having really nice weather. The highs are only reaching about 80 degrees. Couple that with a steady breeze and the shade from our umbrella and it's almost chilly.

But chilly for a run it is not. Sunday morning I woke up just after 6 am. I was itching to get out for a run after being in the car the previous two days (we drove half way Friday afternoon then the rest of the way Saturday). I was hoping to beat the brunt of the heat, but avoiding humidity was impossible.

Luckily, I know a route that takes you to a neighborhood where there's a running/walking path along an inlet. It keeps you from having to run down the main strip, for the most part. But there aren't really any trees shading the path. And since it's off the beach, you lose the breeze as well.

So, hot. What is hot?

Hot is having to run on this hot stretch of the road for 2 miles of a 6.5 miler.

Hot is having zero shade.

Hot is 100% humidity.

Hot is no wind, except on part of the return when it's a strong head wind. Still hot though.

Hawt is looking like you just got out of the swimming pool.

What is hot for you?

I will say that this was one crazy tough run for me. Because of the heat, I did stop twice to re-group and let my body temp come down a bit. Sometimes it's not a matter of wanting to stop, but having to stop. And there's no shame in that!

Fun For Friday - Happiness

The other day, Melissa at Melissa Dishes did a post simply called Happiness. She named 10 things that made her happy. What better way to end the week but with a post about what makes me happy? Here are my top 10 in pictures (and in no particular order mind you).

1. The beach

2. This Guy

3. My Sis

4. My Family

5. Running

6. Friends

7. These crazy pups

8. Beautiful sunrises

9. Wine

10. My niece and nephew

What makes you happy?

On My Mind - Running, Bagels, Inspiration

Took this as I was waiting on my running buddy

It is finally Thursday correct? Good. I thought I would do an other "On My Mind" type of post for today. Partially because my mind is slightly mush right now, but also because it's kind of a fun post.

Said during morning run - I would drink out of a toilet right about now. 

Where are all the bunnies at?  

Passing by a bakery near the end of a 10-mile run makes you suddenly crave things you never normally eat - like bagels.

Rain can feel so good during the last mile of a long, hot, humid run. Talk about perfect timing. 

Greatest compliment of the week was when my mom emailed about setting up a workout for her because she said I inspire her. 

Pinterest needs a better search option. I just want to search within a category please. 

What's on your mind today?

No Stress Packing and Way to Go Wednesday

Stress Free Vacay
Happy Hump Day everyone. It's one of those weeks where I'm a day off. It feels like Thursday. I think I'm just eager to get to the weekend because we'll be headed to the beach! That reminds me, I need to pack.

Funny how I freak out about packing for almost every trip except this annual trip to Florida. There's not really much you need for the beach other than towels, bathing suits and a few books right? I used to pack outfits for each day (day and night). Then I began to realize how rarely I wore even 1/3 of what I was carting along with me.

This vacation isn't about getting out and sight-seeing around a city. We don't go out to eat. At best, we might venture to the outlet mall, but that's only if it's a rainy day and we're somehow bored. We will visit with some friends who live there now. So, that makes packing so much easier. Just a few outfits, lounge clothes, bikinis, oh and running attire.

Luckily the condo does have a washer/dryer in the unit so that means I don't have to pack as many bulky beach towels or as many workout clothes. Not that I enjoy washing clothes on vacation of course, but it sure cuts down on the amount of items you have to bring along.

Are there some trips that you don't sweat the packing because you ave it down pat? Do you tend to take one trip to the same place yearly or do you always switch it up?

Way to Go Wednesday
It's that time of the week again. This week I'm including some that I missed sharing last week. I think they are some great accomplishments and should definitely get recognition!

Laura at Mommy Run Fast for not only getting a new PR but also winning the Houston Esprit de She 10K!

Janetha at Meals and Moves for participating in the Red Rock Relay.

Laura from Sprint 2 the Table for taking 5th in her second fitness competition.

Kristin at StuftMama for participating in the Golden Gate Relay.

Kristina at SpaBettie for taking the world on her shoulders right now.

Samantha at Running and Cupcakes for finishing another half marathon and helping a friend cross the line.

Tiffany at Matters of Course for taking on the Whoos In El Moro 25k trail race.

Who do you want to give a shout out to?

Weekend of Enjoying

This weekend was all about enjoying the beautiful weather, enjoying the idea of slowing down and relaxing, and enjoying time with my mom for Mother's Day.

Saturday started off with a run with Jason. It was warm, but not terrible. Wind was directly from the north and slapping you in the face. Though, as I started to get warm, it actually was welcomed. Jason dropped off at the house at 6.25 miles. I was planning to hit 8 miles since I had already done my weekly 10-miler on Thursday.

As I set off to finish my run, I realized I was feeling really good. My legs were itching to keep on running. I was just enjoying the beautiful morning. So I ended up with another 10-miler. I almost went on for 11, but decided it'd probably be in my best interest, or my foot's best interest, to reel myself in. I've never done two double-digit runs in a week before.

After getting cleaned up, I studied a bit for my ISSA Personal Trainer Certification before heading out to meet my mom for lunch. I wanted to take her to YaYa's. They have really good food and a nice atmosphere. I knew she'd really enjoy it.

I regret that I didn't get a picture of the two of us though. But we had a fantastic time. We sat and talked for nearly an hour after we had finished our lunch. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Sunday I did a weight workout for back, triceps and legs and then a tabata DVD. I had really wanted to run so badly, but my foot had other plans for me. Sometimes the hardest thing about being a runner is knowing when to hold off. But, I did get in a good workout thanks to Cathe.

The rest of the day was spent outside. I weeded flower beds, deadheaded roses, and sat and finished a book. To cap off the day, we grilled pizzas and enjoyed dinner outside as well.

All in all, a perfectly balanced weekend of relaxing, enjoying with enough productivity to make you feel less guilty about all the relaxing and enjoying ;-)

Fun for Friday - Name Positivity

I've read some really amazing posts over the years about over-coming self-hate, self-doubt, negative thinking. I've also read posts where people are still struggling with inner demons. I don't talk about those topics often. I tend to keep my blog posts fairly light, trying to find positivity.

However, when I read such posts, they almost always strike a chord with me. Why? Because I am human too. I have people make comments about being an inspiration, being dedicated, a machine, super fit. But you know what? I have my own self-doubts to contend with.

I might be a fantastic cheerleader for those around me, friends, family, bloggers, co-workers. However, I often spend all that energy outward so as to avoid dealing with my own negative self thoughts.

Sometimes I don't like what I see in the mirror. I pick myself apart, am too self-critical. Of course I want to ask, "Why are women so hard on themselves?" But that's rhetorical of course. You'd think it was about beating each other up, but it's more about what we do to ourselves.

I thought for Fun for Friday, it'd be great to end the week with positive affirmations about ourselves. Let's toss out those negative thoughts, even if it's just for the moment. That's a start right? Taking baby steps to shoo the self-doubt out of our own way.

Let's all do an exercise together - if you'll indulge me. Using the letters of your first name, turn them all into positive words about yourself: it can be personality traits, looks, physique, whatever, maybe even a little bit of everything that you DO like about yourself. Not about the day or the week. Not about things you enjoy, but about YOU.

Your turn!